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Saw his parents in Loudoun County, Virginia; mother not well; will send $20.00 if he can obtain "bills of New York," and advises prudence and economy concerning his monetary situation, as "your father will never be able to give you any aid"; advises to study science first, then mathematics and the history of the world in order to succeed; recommends reading Herodotus, Polybus, Xenophon and others, as well as Robertson's history of Charles the 5th, Hume's history of England, and Voltaire's General History; also be aware of "Chronology... that is, the account of time"; details his father's plight concerning money and health; tells of how much he has already helped his father, once by purchasing all of his slaves, and then leaving them in his possesion, as well as what he expects to do for him in the future, mostly by selling his plantation in Loudoun County, Virginia

Glad he is feeling better; gives his opinions concerning settling in Virginia or New York after his marriage; Mrs. Monroe is ill.

Has just returned from Loudoun County, Virginia; reports that his wife is very ill; has not sold his land in Albemarle, but has replaced Mr. Barton a renter? with someone from Caroline County, Virginia on the recommendations of Col. Tayloe and Wilson Allen; will forward his letters to the Ministers of England and France by way of his brother-in-law; best wishes for his wife and child, expressing interest in Maria (Monroe) Gouverneur's housekeeping abilities. Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 73.

Aunt is still having attacks involving her nervous system, giving details of her doctor's diagnosis and treatment; relates letters forwarded to General La Fayette, Richard Rush, and Lord Erskine discussing their views concerning Scotland; also mentions Dugall sic Dugald? Stewart. Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 74.

Glad to hear of his safe arrival at West Point; family news; gives opinion, which was requested, that he should remain at school, even if not feeling well, since to make the journey home would make him even more ill, as well as the expense involved; proceeds to relate similar experiences he had at "the philosophical school" College of William and Mary when he was 16, stating that he was "altogether unqualified" and made a "very ridiculous figure," but used his vacation time to study and "obtained the approbation and praise of the professor"; encourages him to do the same; advises him to use plenty of blankets at night, and get a flannel jacket; expresses warm sentiments about his situation.

Letter of introduction for Mrs. Douglas and two of her daughters, all of whom will be visiting Virginia including the Orange Co. area; mentions that Monroe's nephew, Lt. James Monroe, married another one of Mrs. Douglas' daughters; regards to Mrs. Madison. Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 88.

Details the advantages of furthering his education, especially if he is to make the military a career; explains the new purchase of a small farm, 325 acres in Albemarle County, Virginia about 7 miles from him, for his parents; has already stocked it, as well as providing furniture and slaves; the farm will go to his children upon the death of the President's brother but now, is costing him a great deal of money; explains why he has felt compelled to continue advising him, and chastises him for not "keeping company" with "high" people to whom he had introduced him, as opposed to "worthless women," living expensively, and drinking wine.

Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 91.

Encloses a letter to his wife, Maria (Monroe) Gouverneur, from her mother, who is quite ill; was to leave for Loudoun County, Virginia but postponed the trip until the final report from the committee studying the question between Governor Ninian Edwards and Mr. William H. Crawford comes forth; will be moving up there, where Samuel's aunt, Eliza (Kortright) Monroe will remain; hopes that he, Maria, and the two children will visit this summer; granted a pardon to Perry concerning a piracy charge, with no interference being made by the court's decision; asks him to explain his decision to Mr. Tillotson, and Judge Van Ness. Item location was previously identified as Box 2, Folder 83.

John Aspinwall writes to Secretary of State James Monroe regarding immigration information for British merchant David Hadden. Includes a notation by Monroe. Oversize item.